Though Pinterest and Instagram are overflowing with decorating ideas, there’s just something different about seeing things in real life. Visiting a brick and mortar shop provides tangible ideas on proportion and placement… and, frankly, a lot more inspiration that you can actually purchase right there and then.

During my recent visit to Copenhagen, I got a tour of the new digs of three revered Danish brands – Carl Hansen & Son, Muuto and &Tradition – all of which illustrated some cool design commandments for you to cop.

Carl Hansen & Son

Carl Hansen & Son’s flagship store stands along a stylish street lined with art galleries and antique shops – a perfect location for this venerable Danish brand. Inside, the carefully curated set-ups illustrate two key rules. It pays to have different types of seating in one cluster (a mix of benches, lounge chairs, poufs, for example), and furnishings crafted from natural materials – especially wood and wicker – instantly add warmth to a space, no matter how lofty it is. It’s worth a visit if just to see all these iconic pieces mingling together under one beautiful roof.

&Tradition

It’s all in the name: &Tradition is a furniture brand that focuses on bridging heritage and innovation in their collections. Their mastery of weaving together the old and new is apparent in their new showroom designed by StudioPepe. Set in an expansive warehouse space, the space embodies industrial opulence. Swathed in rich colours and sumptuous textures (velvet never looked this fresh), the main lesson here is that bravery is the first building block to creating an impressive interior.

Muuto

Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the purveyor of New Nordic design marks the milestone with a brand new showroom in the city’s pedestrianised shopping street. True to their design philosophy, Muuto’s showroom champions simplicity and therefore puts the focus on what’s important – light and space. With both elements down pat – and the right furniture, of course – styling your space requires minimal effort. Don’t forget to add colour, though. As the brand’s new collections show, you can’t go wrong with timeless hues like mustard, coral or seafoam green.

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